Solar insolation and PV module temperature impact on the actual grid connected solar photovoltaic system in German Malaysian Institute

Abstract

German Malaysian Institute (GMi) has a great potential for utilising solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity. In this study, the performance of a 3kW grid-connected solar PV (GCSPV) system is monitored using Sunny Portal web in conjunction with Sunny SensorBox. The daily solar energy that strikes a PV array cannot be totally transformed into grid-compatible electricity. As a result of power losses, the production of solar PV systems falls short of expectations. The primary objective of this study is to examine the influence of solar insolation and PV module temperature on the actual output of the GCSPV system compared to the predicted output system by considering elements that affect the conversion of solar power to electrical power in GCSPV systems. The study prediction method based on calculations was carried out. Prediction of output system considered all losses, including efficiency of PV module, solar insolation, temperature of PV module, dirt, manufacturer’s tolerance and module mismatch, the voltage drop in DC cables to inverter, and inverter efficiency. The data indicate that the average power generation is 7.26% lower than predicted by the system. The GCSPV system’s performance efficiency is diminished by the temperature increase and somewhat enhanced by an increase in solar insolation. Temperature has a crucial impact in the energy conversion process of PV module. The effectiveness of the PV module in generating energy and power is dependent on its operating temperature.